Today’s warning from NSW Health to prepare for a heat wave across the State in the coming days may not apply to the Northern Rivers area – according to weather forecaster and storm chaser Michael Bath. 

Michael, a McLeans Ridges local, has spent 13 years working for national weather outlet The Early Warning Network. Since before the days of the internet, he’s been following his nose into weather systems and said his predictions are often more spot on than many of the national weather predictions made out of computer modelling. 

While it’s cloudy today in Lismore, Michael said the weather looks warm to hot and dry for the next week and a half – but not reaching any of the heat wave high temperatures that could be on the way for other parts of NSW.

“We will only reach the low to mid 30s in Lismore,” he said. “That’s nothing extraordinary for our area.

“Then there could be thunderstorms tomorrow on the tablelands, but we probably won’t see any showers or storms here until next week on Thursday or Friday,” he said.

“Things are changing, but it’s inconsistent and we are too far out to know."

As a storm chaser, Michael said the temperature is one of the least important things he looks at when predicting weather and storms.

“I’m looking at the interesting weather systems, so the temperature doesn’t matter as much to me on the day to day,” he said.

NSW Health advice

In case you are wondering what advice NSW Health gives to take steps to beat the heat, here it is: 

Plan for the upcoming heatwave by checking your fridges, freezers, fans and air-conditioners work properly. Set your air conditioning to cool; a setting of 24 degrees can keep you cool while helping to reduce electricity demand. 

Put jugs of water in the fridge and cool packs in the freezer. Also ensure your blinds are closed before the sun hits your windows. 

Plan your activities safely on hot days.

Protect yourself during the heatwave by postponing or rescheduling your outdoor activities. Reduce the impact of heat by avoiding being outside during the hottest part of the day; keeping well hydrated with water; and looking after vulnerable neighbours and relatives.

Signs of heat related illness include dizziness, tiredness, irritability, thirst, fainting, muscle pains or cramps, rapid pulse, shallow breathing, vomiting and confusion.”

People showing severe signs of heat-related illness should seek urgent medical attention and, in an emergency situation, call Triple Zero (000).

NSW Health Acting Director of Environmental Health, Dr Adi Vyas also urges people to continue to practise COVID-19 safe behaviour during the heatwave.

“If you’re able to keep cool at home using fans, air-conditioning and closed blinds, please do so and stay at home. That way, we won’t compromise physical distancing in public indoor venues, such as shopping centres, libraries and other public buildings where people may seek respite from the heat,” Dr Vyas said.

“If you do leave your home to attend other indoor spaces, please physically distance and wear a mask in places where you cannot maintain 1.5 metres distance from others.

“It is essential to keep in touch with relatives, neighbours and friends; especially those living alone or who are isolated. Be COVID safe; check in with them through a phone call or video call.”

More information can be found at the NSW Health website: www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/beattheheat